Edvard Munch and the Chocolate Factory
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See moreAn exploration of Edvard Munch's Freia Frieze, installed in the women's canteen at the Freia Chocolate Factory, in Oslo, in 1923.
Edvard Munch and the Chocolate Factory explores the fascinating intersection between art, history and industry at the Freia Chocolate Factory, where Munch's Freia Frieze has been housed since 1923. Installed in the women's canteen, these twelve paintings are now stepping beyond their functional setting to be showcased at MUNCH in an extraordinary exhibition.
This book brings new perspectives to the Freia Frieze. Curator Ana Maria Bresciani places these works within a social and art-historical framework, whilst author Marta Breen gives a voice to the myriad women who worked at the factory. Author Per Petterson offers personal insights into his mother's experiences at Freia and his own encounters with Munch's art. Meanwhile, Chipo Dendere, an African studies specialist, delves into the complex history of the cacao industry. Additionally, painting conservators Lina Wulff Flogstad and Mie Mustad provide an exclusive look at the meticulous conservation efforts involved in preparing for the exhibition.
The narrative unfolds to reveal how the Freia Frieze resonates beyond its time, connecting with themes of art, labour, and community. This book is a treasure trove of insights:
- Accompanying an exhibition at the MUNCH Museum in Oslo, running from May to November 2026.
- Curator Ana Maria Bresciani examines the Freia Frieze as part of a decorative art project, scrutinising the stakeholders involved and the socio-economic backdrop of the era.
- Author Marta Breen sheds light on the 'chocolate girls' and their struggle for rights, bringing human stories behind the art to the fore.
- Novelist Per Petterson shares poignant memories of his mother, connecting the paintings to intimate narratives.
- Political scientist Chipo Dendere offers a compelling discussion on cacao's history and trade in Europe, enriching the context of Munch's work.
- Co-editor Nina Mauno Schjonsby interviews conservators about collaborating on the monumental sketch Workers on the Building Site (1931-33), included in the exhibition.
The book also features rare historical photographs and 100 colour illustrations, all rooted in the historical context of the Freia Frieze. It reflects on the evolution of labour rights and social progress, effectively bridging the past with contemporary dialogues.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9788284620619
Publisher: Munch Museum
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 09 June 2026
Country: Norway
Imprint: Munch Museum
Illustration: 100 Illustrations, color
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 240.0mm
Height: 260.0mm
Weight: 900g
Pages: 176
About the Author
Marta Breen (b. 1976) is an award-winning Norwegian author, journalist and public speaker who focuses on women's history, feminism and the arts. She is a regular columnist for the newspaper Dagsavisen. Breen has published bestsellers such as Women in Battle (2018), Om muser og menn (On Muses and Men, 2019) and The Patriarchy Falls (2021). As a journalist, she has worked for the newspaper Dagbladet and the broadcasters RadiOrakel and NRK. Breen has given internationally renowned lectures on gender equality and the struggle for women's rights in countries such as Egypt, Russia and Brazil, and has also received awards for her engagement in this field. Ana Maria Bresciani (b. 1978) is a curator and writer at the Munch Museum in Oslo. Bresciani has extensive experience as a curator and senior curator at KORO (Public Art Norway) and Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. In addition to important solo exhibitions for artists such as Per Barclay, Kare Kivijarvi, Jumana Manna and Catherine Opie, she has curated several group exhibitions relating to historical and societal themes. As a writer, Bresciani has contributed articles on art in public space, institutional practice and interdisciplinary projects exploring art's role in public debate. Chipo Dendere (b. 1980) is a political scientist at Wellesley College in the USA and a specialist in African studies. Her work stretches across African politics, democracy and dictatorships, to the global challenges in the cacao industry. Her critically acclaimed book Death, Diversion, and Departure (2026) shows how authoritarian regimes in Zimbabwe are not only surviving but becoming stronger as the number of young and well-informed voters dwindles. Dendere's research also provides important insights into the difficult history of the cacao industry and the global challenges faced by the industry today. Per Petterson (b. 1952) grew up in Oslo and is now one of Norway's most award-laden and internationally renowned authors. Petterson has a unique ability to vividly depict people and the environments they inhabit. In 1987 he made his debut with the short story collection Ashes in My Mouth, Sand in My Shoes, and in 2003 his breakthrough came with Out Stealing Horses, which won the Norwegian Booksellers' Prize, the Norwegian Critics' Prize for Literature and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Later works such as I Curse the River of Time (winner of the 2009 Nordic Council Literature Prize) and You Are Home Now (2026) have confirmed his talent for exploring existential themes such as loss, time and family relationships. His books have been translated into over 50 languages.
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